Alkaline Earth Metals
These elements make up Group 2 of the periodic table. The alkaline earth metals are reactive, but not as reactive as the alkali metals. They are all silvery-white metals that are solid at room temperature. They are called the "alkaline earth metals" because the naturally occurring oxides (compounds that are made up of any element combined with oxygen) are known as alkaline oxides. The alkaline earth metals are beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium. barium, and radium. Right now, radium is the only radioactive alkaline earth metal, but most likely a new alkaline earth metal will be found in the future that has an even higher atomic number than radium does. As mentioned earlier, this group contains calcium, which is my personal favorite element. |
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Beryllium is the lightest alkaline earth metal and the least reactive alkaline earth metal. It has an atomic number of 4, because there are four protons in every beryllium atom, and an atomic mass of approximately 9.012. Beryllium is a slightly toxic, silvery-gray metal. It is also mildly reactive, but it does not react with water.
Beryllium was first isolated in 1828 by a group of chemists in France. It is named after one of its ores, beryl, and it is an ingredient in the gemstones aquamarine and emerald.
Beryllium can be combined with copper to form a very strong alloy that does not spark. This alloy is used in flammable areas, such as oil wells. Also, beryllium is used in spacecraft parts
and x-ray tubes. Beryllium does not have any known roles in human life on Earth, because of its toxicity to humans.
Beryllium was first isolated in 1828 by a group of chemists in France. It is named after one of its ores, beryl, and it is an ingredient in the gemstones aquamarine and emerald.
Beryllium can be combined with copper to form a very strong alloy that does not spark. This alloy is used in flammable areas, such as oil wells. Also, beryllium is used in spacecraft parts
and x-ray tubes. Beryllium does not have any known roles in human life on Earth, because of its toxicity to humans.
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Magnesium is the second alkaline earth metal. This element has an atomic number of 12, a chemical symbol of Mg, and an atomic mass of approximately 24.3050. The average magnesium atom has 12 neutrons along with the 12 protons in its nucleus.
Magnesium reacts with warm water or steam, and as explained in the caption, it will burn with a bright white flame if it comes into contact with these substances. It was discovered in 1808 by Sir Humphrey Davy, who also discovered the next alkaline earth metal, calcium.
This element is essential to life on Earth because it is a major component of chlorophyll, which helps with photosynthesis in plants. Plants can also absorb magnesium from the soil. Magnesium is also essential for humans. Some good sources of it are chocolate, almonds, Brazil nuts, and soybeans.
Magnesium reacts with warm water or steam, and as explained in the caption, it will burn with a bright white flame if it comes into contact with these substances. It was discovered in 1808 by Sir Humphrey Davy, who also discovered the next alkaline earth metal, calcium.
This element is essential to life on Earth because it is a major component of chlorophyll, which helps with photosynthesis in plants. Plants can also absorb magnesium from the soil. Magnesium is also essential for humans. Some good sources of it are chocolate, almonds, Brazil nuts, and soybeans.
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As of right now, radium is the only radioactive alkaline earth metal, and another will most likely be discovered in the future.